Winni boating article

VtSteve · 08-06-2009, 11:51 AM

My work load is about 50% higher than I ever expected it to be this summer. I installed some things like a new GPS, new prop, hoping for longer ventures and overnights. We've spent one night on the boat so far, and I believe I logged 12 hours total this summer. In 2007, I put 70 plus hours on the boat without even trying.

It's good to see boat dealers stabilize, but there's a downside. Boat prices will be trending up starting next year, and there will be less selection as brands vanish, and fewer dealers will be stocking floor-planned inventory. I guess the upside will be higher used boat values.

I was trying to do the same switch you did Skip, going more to a stay-aboard boat this year. It almost came true, but fell apart when used values went to nothing. I should have looked at it differently, and seen that the drop in the new boat price more than offset the decline on my boat. That's the trouble with being too conservative I guess.

Our marinas and moorings are all full, but that's more of a supply problem than anything else. Champlain is basically your own private lake weekdays, and venturing out in the main lake it's all yours

Just hoping for a better half of summer, then fall.

08-06-2009, 11:51 AM	#5
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	My work load is about 50% higher than I ever expected it to be this summer. I installed some things like a new GPS, new prop, hoping for longer ventures and overnights. We've spent one night on the boat so far, and I believe I logged 12 hours total this summer. In 2007, I put 70 plus hours on the boat without even trying. It's good to see boat dealers stabilize, but there's a downside. Boat prices will be trending up starting next year, and there will be less selection as brands vanish, and fewer dealers will be stocking floor-planned inventory. I guess the upside will be higher used boat values. I was trying to do the same switch you did Skip, going more to a stay-aboard boat this year. It almost came true, but fell apart when used values went to nothing. I should have looked at it differently, and seen that the drop in the new boat price more than offset the decline on my boat. That's the trouble with being too conservative I guess. Our marinas and moorings are all full, but that's more of a supply problem than anything else. Champlain is basically your own private lake weekdays, and venturing out in the main lake it's all yours Just hoping for a better half of summer, then fall.